Saturday, October 29, 2011

I'm a blocking novice

No, that's not a new curse word.
I meant I've never "blocked" a knitting project before. And, it's about time I learned.
Just finished a sweater that desperately needs some resizing so that it can actually be WORN by the intended recipient. Wouldn't that be nice.
I knitted it in linen, and really enjoyed the yarn. It's a sweet design that has been in my knitting basket a LONG time.
So, I am grateful to knitty.com for this article on how to "wack" my linen project into submission. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter02/FEATdiyknitter.html

Friday, October 28, 2011

Calendar on hold



As much as I have longed to make this a reality, the calendar must wait until next year. Too much research on printing options needs still to be done in order to make it possible to offer a 2012 edition. The initial investment will be well over my budget, and so I look forward to more LUCRATIVE times early next year when I can revisit the project and make it a reality, for sure. In the meantime, I get good and positive feedback about the concept and the content.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Shipment #1: Calendars Arrived!

This is pretty exciting. So exciting I was afraid to open the package!
I ordered two versions of my calendar from Vistaprint -- one b/w and one in color.

I LOVE  the cover images and the way the titles look. The BFL ewe in color with her one gentle eye looking upward is stunning.
cover of the color version
cover of the b/w version

The paper stock is a little thin, but I think it will help to keep the price point down, an important consideration in this economy for all concerned. Some of the images were not the best resolution, so they have to be exchanged. The data in the calendar date grid looks good, and just needs a few edits. All and all, am pretty excited. They also sent me sticky return address labels. More promo vehicles is a good thing.


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Calendar and other random thoughts . . .

Waiting anxiously for the arrival of the sample calendars I designed to feature my sheep portfolio. The images were chosen from a group of new and older shots, black and white. I'm learning so much about online resources like Picassa, but the time spent on the project is astonishing. Suddenly hours have gone by. What have I accomplished? A little bit more confidence and that is worth it, I suppose.  Off to feed hungry boys now, one of whom talks to me about the delay in getting the dinner together. The other rests patiently, knowing I can be relied on to provide the victuals. Today saw another honey colored chow in the current issue of DownEast Magazine. That one lives with Martha Stewart, who is the subject of the feature article (she has a home on Mt Desert Island and has promoted Maine businesses and products for years). You can be that's one lucky dog.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Summer Weather in October Lures Me Outdoors

We've had days of 80-degree temps here which keep me longing to be outside instead of working on the calendar project, spinning, knitting, and other urgent tasks. I've tried to do them all outside, some with better success than others. Wifi fails me beyond a certain distance from the office. The Boys are enjoying the flurry of fall activity on display: squirrels and chipmunks and rabbits gorging themselves on the season's harvest. Igby is super quick, and Jeric is very vocal, especially when his "favorite" bunnies come out of hiding to much on the green grasses just steps away from his confinement (on the porch). I am lucky to have large picture windows in Suite 1 (the LSPR office) and down in Suite 2A (the Walking Wool studio). But, there's no comparison to the warm, fresh air these last few days have provided. They are especially sweet, as I know the chill will arrive soon.   Today I must harvest the last of the basil (it's still growing!), one of the highlights of vegetable gardening.

Ordered samples just now of the calendar, in B/W and in color. They should arrive within a week, and then I'll know what they look like in the flesh. Very exciting to be moving this long-in-the-making task forward. Next up, a letter and samples to Interweave Press, and also to Brown Trout Publishers.

Meanwhile, I pass out my calling cards where ever I go, and am updating new images on in my etsy store.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

SOAR So Close, Yet So Far

I am not making it to SOAR 2011 in nearby Manchester NH this week, but two dear spinning friends are. Hope for a report soon from Betsy and Chris, who are a devoutly fanatical about spinning as I am. A week of spinning in New Hampshire! What a way to spend National Spinning and Weaving week this year! Meanwhile, I plug away at my 2012 calendar and upload new images to my etsy store. At night I keep at my knitting projects, and during the day I steal a few minutes here and there to spin up some random fiber from my too vast collection, or pick open dyed fleece that requires this step before carding or combing. Doesn't really matter what I work on, as long as my hands are busy, touching the fabulous materials and feeling myself relax.

Two events coming up in New England I expect to get to: The 2nd Annual Fiber Festival of New England at The Big E in West Springfield early next month, and then the Northeast Handspinners' Association Open House in Pawtucket RI. Both are easy day trips and hopefully a fiber friend will join me.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Sheep Handling 101




Me here fulfilling a fantasy at a CT Sheep & Wool Festival --  one of my favorites -- a few years ago. "Who wants to help me hold the sheep?" the lecturer asked. "ME!"
Found these while perusing CD files for my 2012 calendar, a first and hopefully the launch of a series. Hard to decide on just 12 images! Thanks to Betsy for capturing my few minutes of bliss.